In the community

COVID-19: Only the unvaccinated dying in Mat North

Published

4 years ago

July 30, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

All people that have so far died of Covid-19 at public institutions in Matabeleland North since the province started rolling out its vaccination programme, were yet to receive their doses.

Munekayi Padingani, Matabeleland North medical director, said the province has recorded 56 deaths and all of them were people that were not vaccinated for Covid-19.

“We have not had any fatality case related to the vaccinated,” Padingani said.

“We are still, however, receiving positive cases among those who have had their full immunity vaccination doses.

“But the numbers are too marginal compared to those who have not yet done so.

“For instance in week 27 of 2021, we closed that week with 741 cases and of the total, 590 were unvaccinated, 50 were half and fully vaccinated.”

He said 101 cases were yet to be verified because they were tested at private institutions.

Hwange district has the highest number of Covid-19 deaths in Matabeleland North at 24, district medical officer Fungai Musinami said.

The province has 2 157 cumulative cases. At least 101 670 people have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine while 58 346 are fully vaccinated.The government in March launched an aggressive Covid-19 vaccination programme in Victoria Falls, the largest urban area in Matabeleland North, as a strategy to revive Zimbabwe’s tourism industry.

In the community

Chief Mvutu installation underway

Published

20 hours ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange District is bracing for a historic event today as Chief Mvutu is officially installed as the new substantive chief.

The installation ceremony, which comes eleven years after the passing of Silibaziso Mlotshwa’s father in 2014, is featuring speeches, entertainment, and traditional greetings.

According to the programme, the ceremony will commence with the arrival of invited guests, followed by the arrival of distinguished guests.

The event will feature speeches by various dignitaries, including Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the National Council of Chiefs.

Other highlights of the ceremony include the investiture of Chief Mvutu, the paying of allegiance by village heads, and the presentation of gifts.

The installation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the district’s history, bringing to an end a protracted dispute over the chieftainship.

The event is expected to attract dignitaries, community leaders, and residents from across the district.

In the community

Nkayi man in court for alleged rape of minor

Published

20 hours ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 28-year-old man from Nkayi appeared before the Nkayi Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of raping his 15-year-old niece.

The prosecution alleges that the incident occurred on July 28, 2025, in a secluded bushy area. The accused is said to have sexually assaulted the minor after she refused his advances.

The matter was reported to the authorities, leading to the accused’s arrest. He has been remanded in custody pending his next court appearance.

The case has been referred to the Bulawayo Regional Court for further proceedings, with the accused set to appear on August 26.

In the community

Victoria Falls man sentenced to six months for domestic violence

Published

21 hours ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 33-year-old Victoria Falls man has been sentenced to 6 months imprisonment for domestic violence charges. The sentence was handed down by the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court.

The man, from Chinotimba, was arrested on August 3 for a domestic violence charge. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the facts of the matter are as follows: a misunderstanding arose between the offender and his 32-year-old wife over money left in her jacket. Later that evening, the offender shouted at his wife before strangling her several times on the neck. The victim reported the matter to the police, which led to the offender’s arrest.

The court sentenced the offender to 6 months imprisonment, with two months suspended for five years on condition of good behavior.

A further four months were suspended on the condition that he performs 140 hours of community service.